Rangers' Struggles Continue: Ferguson's Frustration Mounts Amid Old Firm Stalemate

Rangers' ongoing struggles under Barry Ferguson's management continue as they fail to secure a home win in seven games, adding to Ferguson's mounting frustration.

After Sunday's 1-1 draw with Celtic, Rangers have now gone seven home games without a win, with five of these under the management of Barry Ferguson. This ongoing streak is undoubtedly a source of frustration for Ferguson, who has consistently demonstrated his passion and commitment to the club in every interview.

However, despite his dedication, the results have not been satisfactory. This has been a persistent issue since he took over from Philippe Clement. The situation could change if a takeover occurs and new owners decide to invest heavily in the club, making the managerial position more attractive to top-tier candidates.

Currently, the team's performance in European and Old Firm games has been commendable, but the same recurring issues throughout the season have cast a shadow over the current management team's effectiveness.

Highlights:

  • Rangers and Celtic share spoils: The latest Old Firm derby ended in a 1-1 draw, extending Rangers' winless streak at home.
  • Rangers condemn 'unacceptable' banner and throwing of bottle: The club has addressed recent fan behavior issues.
  • Idah's Celtic equaliser leaves Rangers without home win in seven: Celtic's late equalizer further compounded Rangers' struggles.

Celtic, on the other hand, continues to dominate the league, sitting seventeen points clear at the top with 103 goals scored. This dominance is a testament to their consistent performance over the past decade, despite the competition not being as tight as expected.

Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged occasional dips in performance but remains focused on the upcoming cup final and the possibility of securing another treble. This should serve as motivation for the players to stay switched on.

Tactical Insights:

In the last derby of the season, Rangers had the upper hand in the first half, while Celtic dominated after the break. The final 15 minutes felt like a dead rubber, with both teams seemingly content to let the game conclude without further incident.

Rangers employed a midfield diamond with two strikers positioned slightly wider, effectively neutralizing Celtic's ball manipulation and chance creation. The full-backs were particularly aggressive, making early contact with Celtic's wide players and forcing them into less advantageous areas.

At halftime, Rodgers made minor adjustments to Celtic's buildup play, introducing more movement behind the defense rather than relying solely on receiving the ball to feet. Reo Hatate's deeper positioning created marking difficulties for Rangers, showcasing Celtic's tactical flexibility.

Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith shared these insights with Andrew Petrie for BBC Sport Scotland, highlighting the tactical nuances of the match.

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